The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has suspended three additional personnel over the deaths of suspected illegal miners in its custody in Niger State.
The corps has also directed all its formations to fly flags at half-mast for three days in mourning for the victims.
The NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in Abuja on Sunday, stating that the directives were issued by the Commandant General, Ahmed Audi.
This brings to 24 the number of NSCDC personnel suspended in connection with the incident.
The first 21 officers and men were suspended and summoned to the corps headquarters in Abuja following the deaths of at least 30 mining suspects in the custody of the NSCDC on Thursday.
Audi said the three-day mourning period was intended to demonstrate the corps’ remorse over the incident and its condemnation of any conduct that may have contributed to the deaths.
According to him, the measure also reflects the organisation’s determination to identify and remove personnel found to have acted contrary to its standards.
The NSCDC boss said all suspended personnel would be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and any other panels probing the incident.
He added that those found culpable would face prosecution.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had earlier constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Audi said the NSCDC would cooperate with the investigations and provide relevant personnel and information required by the panels.
He maintained that the corps was committed to the principles of discipline, professionalism, integrity and respect for the rule of law.
“We do not condone unprofessional conduct, high-handedness or any action that undermines the fundamental rights of citizens or the sacred trust reposed in us,” he said.
Audi also pledged greater transparency as the investigation progresses, assuring Nigerians that the corps would communicate developments arising from the probes.
“The leadership of the NSCDC will continue to show unwavering commitment to transparency, human rights protection and professional ethics,” he said.
The Commandant General appealed for patience as the corps conducts its internal review alongside the independent investigations into the deaths.
He said the NSCDC leadership remained committed to ensuring that the incident was thoroughly examined and that appropriate action was taken based on the findings.
